Using a Lossy Electrical Transmission Line Model for Optimizing Straw Phonation Configurations

Abstract

Straw phonation has a long history of being a successful vocal therapy technique. However, not much is known about the mechanics of phonation with a straw, nor the best combination of phoneme and straw dimensions to be used. A significant limitation in research thus far is the complexity of existing models and computation techniques to determine acoustic and aerodynamic values such as impedance. In this study, a new electrical circuit-based model of the vocal tract as a transmission line is evaluated and compared to established impedance calculation methods. Results indicate that the model is not complete yet, so several adjustments are suggested and discussed. In addition, straw phonation configurations are examined using previously developed models to determine which maximize impedance and power.

Special Issue on Computational Methods and Engineering Solutions to Voice II

“…Lasota et al [9] investigate the impact of the Sub-Grid Scale (SGS) turbulence model in aero acoustic simulations. Finally, Rosenthal et al [10] investigate the mechanics of straw phonation, introducing a new electrical circuit-based model of the vocal tract as a transmission line as counterpart for CFD modelling.…”